Gilbert has been a prolific winner this season, with victory in the first stage of the Tour de France and a host of one-day classics, including Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Fleche Wallonne, the Amstel Gold Race and Clasica San Sebastian.

The 29-year-old will join Tour de France winner Cadel Evans and world champion Thor Hushovd on the Swiss-American team in 2012.

Gilbert said: "They (BMC) were interested in me from the beginning.

"My objectives are clear: to go for the one-day classics and then go to the Tour to learn and help Cadel.

"Next year with the start in Liege, it's close to my home. So I will try to win a stage and then help Cadel win the Tour."